Croydon trams to get new warning systems

TRANSPORT for London has announced it will fit speed monitoring devices on its trams in response to the crash near Croydon in November 2016 that killed seven people and injured more than 50.

The devices will warn drivers if they are going too fast and so apply the brake, however a manufacturer has not yet been identified and TfL is seeking expressions of interest for the equipment.

The fatal crash occurred when a Croydon-bound tram overturned while travelling too fast around a sharp curve at Sandilands. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s initial report found that the tram had been travelling at 43.5mph in a 12mph zone, but found no evidence of any track defects or obstructions.

There have also been separate allegations of tram drivers falling asleep at the controls.

TfL’s director of London Rail Jonathan Fox said: “Since the tragic derailment we have been working on the development of an in-cab driver alert system for monitoring and managing tram speed. We are now seeking interest from the wider industry to help support us in the development and introduction of that system.”

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